Machine for finishing stereotype printing-plates



c. E. HOPKINS. MACHINE FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED APILZ. 19H;

Patented July 13, 1920.

RAN T3 W C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATIDN FILED APR. 2, I917.

Patented July 13, 1920.

8 SHEEIS-SHEET 2 v hawk/w.

C. E. HOPKINS.

FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 2. NH].

. Patented July 13, 1920.

MACHINE hwzgzr mp);

. SNM

C. E. HOPKINS. mcnms FOR FINI'SHINVG STEREQTYPE PRINTING PLATES.1,346,601.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 2. 19-17.

Patentd July 13, 1920.

8 SHEEIS-SHEEI 4.

C. E. HOPKINS. FINlSHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES. PPLICATION FILEDAPR. 2. 1917.

MACHINE FOR c. E. HOPKINS.- MACHINE FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTINGPLATES.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 2, 1-9-17- 1,346,601 Patented July 13, 1920.

' 8 SHEEIS-SHEET 6.

IIIIII 1| H IIIII I IIIINMNIII i -51-1 ,HIIIII -JPI/ @b I C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR FINISHING ST'EREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 21 1-941. 1,346,601 Patented July 13, 1920.

8 SHEEISSHEEI 7.

C. E. HOPKINS.

MACHINE FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING PLATES.

APPLICATION FILED APR. 2, 1917.

Patented July 13, 1920.

8 SHEEISSHEI 8 3 I\ I I IQNN PATENT OFFICE.

CHARLES E. I-IOPKIhl'S, OF'NEW YORK, N. Y.

, MACHINE FOR FINISHING STEREOTYPE PRINTING-PLATES.

Specification of Letters Patent. Patented July 13, 1920.

Original application filed February 25. 1911, Serial No. 610,834,Divided and this application filed April 2, 1917. Serial No. 159,117. g

- To all whom it may concern: 7 I Be it known that 1, CHARLES E.HorKINs,

as are in common use in producing newspapers, and is designed mainly asa labor saving device whereby one man by'manipulating certain handlesand levers will be able to produce the stereotype printing platescompletely finished, and cooled so they can be handled by the barehands, in condition to be immediately attached to the printing presscylinder; also to provide means whereby, through the control of thecontraction of the curved printing plate during the process of cooling,the operator will be able to pro duce plates of various curvatures ordimensions from the same casting chamber and further, through thecontrol of the cooling fluid, deliver the plates practically dry andready to be attached to the press cylinders.

More specifically the invention comprises a practicable, simple andconvenient mechanism in alinement with the core when it reaches itsfinal open position for receiving the plate therefrom, shaving the ribscast on the concave surfaceof the plate, cutting off the riser, bevelingthe riser and, gradually lowering and finally dropping the tail cut off,releasing the plate and allowing it to be fed by gravity from thefinishing mechanism to a final cooling mechanism; to provide simple andeffective means for receiving the plate from the finishing mechanism andcooling it in such a way as to control the contraction of the plateduring the cooling process so that plates both of less or of greaterdiameter can be provided from the same casting chamber; also to providefor controlling the cooling water so that the plate can be delivered dryand ready for the press cylinders. I r The invention also involvesnumerous i1n provements in details of construction and in mechanism forcarrying out the objects elsewhere specified herein. Further objects andadvantages of the invention will appear hereinafter.

Reference is to be had to the accompanying drawings in which' Figure 1is a side elevation of a complete machine constructed in accordance withthis invention Fig. 2 is aplan of the shaving mechanism with the archremoved;

Fig. 3 is a side elevation of the plate lifter support thereof; 7

Figa is a plan of the cam plate; v Fig. 5 is an end elevation of astationary cam; a

Fig. 6 is a transverse sectional view showing how the cast plate issupported on the lifter; 1

Fig. 7 is a sectional view on the line 77 ofFig. 2; i

Fig. 8 is a sectional view on the line 8-8 of Fig.2; I p K F g. 9 is adiagrammatic sectional view of the same on reduced scale showing oneposition of the parts during the finishing operation;

Figs. 10, 11, 12 and 13 are similar views showing other positions of thesame parts;

Fig. 14 is a side view of the cooling apparatus;

Fig; 15 is a fragmentary detail thereof;

Fig. 1G is a sectional view of the same on the line 16 -16 of Fig. 1; c

Fig. 17 is an enlarged sectional view on the same line showing how theedge of the plate is held during one period of the op eration. V A

Figs. 18 and 19 are similar views showing other positions of the plate;I

Fig. 20 is an end view of one of the rollers for supporting the platewith parts in section, and

Fig. 21 is atransverse sectional view on the line 21-21 of Fig. 1 1. a

In. order to get a general idea of the invention it may be stated thatthe drawings, particularly Fig. 1, show a machine embodying thefollowing elements, namely, a melting furnace and pump A of any desiredconstruction for delivering metal in measured quantities to a segmentalback B; preferably located in vertical position on a base or frame 0,also a-convex core I) constituting with the back the lateral walls ofthe casting box, but capable of moving out of the back with the castplate thereon, and delivering the plate to a finishing mechanism E whichin turn delivers it to a cooling. device F.

The base C and the'base G of. the. cooling de-' for shaving the ribs Pcast on the concavev surface of thestereotype plate P, the mechanism forcutting off the riser and beveling that curved end, and the means forconvey-- ing the now finished stereotype plate from the finishingmechanism to the cooling mechanism F, all represented in a general wayby the letter E, (Fig. 1).

Mounted in three bearings57. (Fig. 2) on the frames H and G is alongitudinal main shaft 58 operated from the motor K aswill be explainedhereinafter. F astened to the main shaft. and within the arch is ashaving knife 59 which extends lengthwise and is of a length slightlylonger than the said arch,

' the said knife being so positioned as to engage and smooth off thefaces of the ribs P cast on the'stereotype concavity. V j Positioned onthe main shaft beyond the arch are adjustable plate stops. 60 and 61(Fig. 8) which engage ledges 1? cast on the side of the concavity of theriser of the stereotype plate and stop said plate in proper positionwhen moved into the arch, from off the core, on which it has'been castand hold the said plate from further lateral movement until the liftershave raised it against the dome of said arch. The stop'61 is springactuated because'the plate enters the arch out of horizontal alinementwith the axis thereof and has to be moved sidewise' and into axialalinement when lifted up into the dome of said arch in position to beshaved, as will appear hereinafter. The main shaft is caused to make onerevolution each time a foot trip or pedal 159 is ,pushed; down and"released to operate a which is mounted on the top of the frame andaxiallyali'necl with the said main shaft. Beneath each straight side ofthe arch 64s are mounted supporting and guiding rollers 65 and beyondthe arch but carried by the main shaft, by reciprocating studs. 66'operat-- ing in bearings 67. are a group of three rollers 68 (Fig. 4).These are caused to move toward or away from the axis of the said mainshaft by pins 69 on each stud engaging in grooves 70cut in a cam plate71. The latter moves axially on the said shaft and is accomplished bythe end of the cam arm, 74

moving out of the recess in the fixed face cam. 'Upon the finish of therevolution of the main shaft the spring 7 5 mounted upon the connectingrod moves this rod to the left in Fig. 2 as the arm 7d enters adepression in'the' cam 72'. This carries the cam plate 71 to the leftand pushes the rollers out, and the rollers become a support for thestereotype plate as it moves out of the arch and toward the coolingmechanism.

' Beneath one side of the supporting arch V is a mechanism for liftingthe stereotype plate into position against the arch dome. Aswill be seenby the drawings the rollers 65 which support the stereotype plates arelocated out of horizontal alinement with the axis of the arch and arecess is formed beneath one side of the arch. At one side of the archbeneath this recess double flanged rollers 77 are located. The purposeof these flanges is to guide the stereotype plate as it moves intoposition within the arch and over a plate lifter 80. (Fig. 3). Thisplate lifter moves in cam ways 81 fastened to the frame at an angle andas the lifter rises, it also moves toward the axis of the arch and a'lip82 (Fig. 6) formed on the seat 83 of the lifter engages in the groovePicast in the edge of the stereotype plate, as the lifter moves upward.This forces the said stereotype plateto move at the same angle as thelifter so that the plate is moved solidly against the opposite side ofthe arch simultaneously' with its rise. Upon the return movement, thelip 82 engaged in the groove formed on the stereotype plate, pulls theplate back into position between the flanges of the rollers and afurther movement of the lifter downward disengages the lip from theygroove.

Pivoted by studs 85 fastened in the lifter are spring rods 86 whichoperate through a rock roller 87 pivoted to levers 88 mounted on a shaft89 supported by bearings on the frame. Mounted upon the rods areadjustable compression springs 90, the purpose of which is to compensatefor any variation in the circumference of the stereotype plate. To oneend of the shaft 89 is fastened a lever arm 91 to which is pivoted alink 92 by one end, the opposite end engaging with acam 93 fastened tothe main shaft. For the purpose of holding this arm 91 in position oneend of a link 94 is pivoted to it,

the opposite end being pivoted to a cross piece of the frame. The camroller rests in a recess in the side of the cam and upon turning themain shaft the recess moves from over the roller, the roller thereby being depressed which act causes the lifter to rise. The return movementis accomplished by gravity. I

Having described the mechanism for lifting the stereotype into the domeof the arch and shaving its ribs I will now describe the riserseparating and beveling mechanism and means for conveying and ejectingthe riser from the machine, reference being had especially to Figs. 8 to13.

For the riser separating and trimming operation I employ a planetarymechanism in which is operatively mounted a revolving circular saw 100having one of its edges beveled for the purpose of forming a bevel onthat edge of the stereotype plate from which the riser has beenseparated.

This planetary mechanism comprises a' bracket 101 fixed to the mainshaft by an extension 102 at one end. The other portion is formed into aconvex-concave shell with both ends closed. Extending through the shelland mounted in suitable bearings is a short shaft, 103 to one end ofwhich is attached the beveled edge saw 100 with its bevel facingadjacent to the lower end of the stereotype plate supporting arch.Facing that closed end it is shaped so as to pass outside of and overthe end of the arch. To the opposite end of the shaft 103, which extendsthrough that end of the shell is keyed a gear wheel 104, which mesheswith a gear 105 mounted on a stud 106 fastened in the bracket 101.Mounted on the main shaft is another gear 108, which in turn meshes withthe gear 105. Also mounted on the main shaft is a chain drive gear 109.Beneath the frame is a bracket 110 in which is mounted a shaft 111,having a chain drive gear 112, fastened on each end and in brackets 113at the back and alined with the frame is the driving shaft 58, which,through the chain connections, operates the two sets of chain geardrives and the beveled edged saw at a high rate of speed.

A portion of the shell of the saw bracket 101 is made loose and attachedby hinged joints 115, to the fixed part of the said shell and to theloose edge of the hinged .part of the shell is connected a flat piece116 of steel having its extending edge formed into short teeth 117(Fig. 1) for the purpose of holding the riser after it has beenseparated from the stereotype plate as hereafter shown.

Fastened on the main shaft 58 is a semicircular riser support 120, whichis so positioned that when the shaft turns it will pass under the riserof the stereotype plate, and support the riser after it is separated bythe saw from its plate; During the opera tion of sawing away theriser'from the stereotype plate the planetary shell 101 passes overthe'surface of the riser until the saw has finished the cuttingoperation when the separated riser now resting on the support beginstoturn with said support and planetary shelhbnt as the revolutioncontinues from the position shown in Fig. 12 to that in Fig.- 13 theloose riser has a tendency to slip ahead. Thisis resisted by the factthat the riser is in contact with the teeth in the hinged portion of theshell. As the turning continues the weight of the riser is transferredfrom the support to said teeth of the hinged portion of the shell and iscarried ahead with said shell until the pivot point of the hinge hasbeen passed on the upward motion when the said hinged portion tips overon its hinge and allows the riser to drop free fromits conveyingmechanism. (See Fig. 9.) 1

.It will be seen that the concavity of the saw bracket 101 serves thepurpose ofa sawdust receiver. The dust is carried along between theshell and the riser until the said riser is ejected by the openingout ofthe hinged shell, whereupon the sawdust escapes.

Mounted upon the saw bracket opposite the .saw is a plate supportingroller 1 21. Alined with the rollers on that side of the machine andmounted in the frame opposite is a similar roller 122 which, with therollers within the arch and upon the main shaft, forms conveying meansfor the discharge of the stereotype plate directly on the CO0]: ingsaddle 170 the end'of which is in alinement with said rollers.

Having described the construction and operation of the shaving andtrimming mechanism I will now describe the niecha-' nism shown foroperating the same. (See Fi s. 14 and 21). p

. Iieyed to the lower end of what I call the main shaft 58, that is, themain shaft of the finishing device, is a large worm gear 125 which forthe purpose of preventing acci: dent is made intwo parts, one of whichis a toothed rim 126 mounted upona hub 127, which has a broad flange 128facing the said ring. The'rim and hub are made to travel together by abreaking pin 129 positioned in a hole through both members. The rea sonfor making the gear in two parts is to prevent accident in. case themain shaft should for any reason'be prevented from moving with the gearin which case as con structed the pin 129 would be cut in two and noother damage done. I

Positioned below the worm gear and loosely mounted on across shaft 131,so as to mesh with the gear teeth is a worm 132. One end of it is formedwith a clutch jaw 133. Mounted on the same shaft and facing iii) engagethe roller 1 40 and" force the jaws of r the sliding clutch out ofengagement with the jaws of the worm and holdthem disengaged until thelatch ismoved on its pivot out of engagement with the yoke extensionroller 140. The yoke at all times is held toward the engaging positionby a compressed spring mounted on a rod 144 operating through abracket'145 on the frame, the rod being attached to the yoke exten: sion136. p 1

A trip mechanism for disengaging the latch 142 is located so as to pushthe said latch up and free from the yoke extension roller which consistsof an upright rod 148 operating in hearings on a leg of the frameand/carrying on its top an extension 149 with a beveled side 147. Thisextension when pushed up ashort way engages with a pin 150 on the sideof the latch which raises said latchand releases the yoke 186. Then thespring 151 will move the same which in turn advances the sliding jawintoengagement with the jaw onthe worm.

It must be understood that the cross shaft 131 i's revolved continuouslyby the driving shaft 152 to Which it is connected. by beveled gears 155.The driving shaft is'driven by any suitable source of power and connec-vtion, the motor K, belt, and pulley 154, on the shaft 152, being shownfor this purpose. The means employed for operatingthe trip rod 148-consists of a short leverl56,'fast on a rod 157,.operating inbearingsand extending lengthwise of the machine and located at thebackside but beneath the frame. Tothe opposite end of thisrod isfastened an;'arm 158 (Fig. 2). which extends toward the front side ofthe machine. 'Io thebase C ofthe casting mechanism is piv-. otedona studa foot pedal 159 having an extending arm which engages the armon theaforesaid shaft. ,7 V

By this mechanism. the operator by pushing the pedal down can'force thepawl out of engagement withthe yoke extension and thereby start themachine, but in case he wishes to stop the machine for anyreason beforethe trip acts, a second push down ward will force the beveled edge 147of. the extension of: the cam 149 up into engagementwit'h the'yokeextension roller and curved stereotype plate I will now describe theimproved flexible cooling and drying mechanism employed, and explain howby controlling the contraction of the stereotype plate duringthe coolingprocess I am able to produceplates of both less or greater diameter fromthe; same casting chamber, also ,how by the control ofthe cooling waterI can produce the platedry and ready for the press cylinders. I

Curved stereotypeplates, such as are used in. producing newspapers, areof a semi-circumference equal to the length of the print ed matter of anewspaper page. and vary in diameter from 13},to 1 61 inches.

' Itis often found that although the printing faces oftwo differentmakes of web perfecting presses are the same yet the cylindersmay varyin diameter an eighth of an inch, more or less, the difference being inthe margins or space b'etween the two printing halves of thecircumference of the cylinders which form the top and bottom blank spaceor margins of the paper. 7

Owing to this variation it has heretofore been necessary to cast theplates in machines for each size, and again owing to there being alargevariety of sizes of prcssesbetween the13l; and 161; (about 20) ithas been considered impracticable to carry casting and finishingmachines, in stock. These dillicuL- ties I am now able to overcome.

I find that an average sized curved stereotype plate will suddenlycontract about in diameter when the cooling water engages its concavity,and as the cooling advances fromith'e concave side through to theexterior theplate will slowly contract on the outside and counteract theinterior contraction, and if left perfectly free the plate will resumeitsnormal. curvature. However if the curved plate is supported inamanner so its straight edges are held against axial contraction duringthe cooling of the interior surface it will nevertheless contract on theexterior and through this contraction cause the straight edges of theplate to draw away from its axis and thereby become of a larger,diameter than when cast. By utilizing aiid controlling: this contractionI am able to produce plates of all sizes from four sizes of stockmachines. i

To accomplish this control of the contraction I have: made the coolingsaddle 176) (Fig. 2) with flexible sides. or wings 171 (Figs. 14 to 20),arranged so.,as'to contract or expandwiththe plate during the coolingoperation, the wings 171 are composed of spring metal, and are normallyof a curvature slightly smaller than the diameter of the concave face ofthe finished ribs P on the interior of thestereotype plate P. They arefixed to the sides of an overflow outlet 173 of a water distributingchamber 174 which is supported by pivots 175 on the frame G. The waterchamber 174 is connected by a flexible tube 176, to a supply pipe 177and a water controlling valve 178. At each straight side of the wingsare mounted rollers 180 for supporting the stereotype plate as it isdelivered by gravity from the finishing mechanism. Also mounted on eachstraight side of thewings are brackets 181 (Figs. 16 to 19), whichextend beneath the edges of the stereotype plate and have a lip 182extending up so as to engage the outside edge of the stereotype plate.Beneath the wing brackets and supported by the frame are adjustablestops 183 which engage grooves 184:, in the underside of the wingbrackets when the stereotype has contracted or expanded the requiredamount as hereafter described.

The pivoted cooler, plate rollers, and brackets are normally held on thesame angle as the main shaft of the finishing mechanism by a spring 186attached to an arm 187 fast to the pivot 175, and'a pivoted latch 189,is arranged to hold it at that angle during the delivery of thestereotype plate,

but as the said plate positions itself by sliding down over the rollersfrom the finishing mechanism the beveled end of the plate engages thesaid latch and lifts it up (Fig. 14:). This releases it from engagementwith the cooler whereupon the cooler and plate will turn to horizontalposition owing to the greater portion of the stereotype plate beingbeyond the pivot point. When the plate is lifted by hand from the coolerthe spring 186 rocks the cooler back to the inclined receiving positionshown in Fig. 141.

The balanced Valve 178 is positioned in the water connections so thatits plunger 191 can be operated by a lever 192 attached to the pivot175, of the cooler. To one end of the plunger is fastened a rod 19 1,operating ina bearing. It is provided with a spring actuated latch 195in the path of a pin 196, positioned upon the lever 192 so that when thecooler turns on its pivot the pin engages the latch and opens the valveallowing the water to flow up into the cooler water distributing chamberand overflow between the hot stereotype plate and flexible wings. As theoutlet for the water is confined to the space between the wings 171 andconcave face of the stereotype plate,

which space is less in cross section than the inlet, the water will beheld under pressure against the stereotype plate and drive ahead anysteam that may form thereby causing very quick action in cooling thestereotype plate. A stop 199 limits the rocking of the saddle.

For the purpose of stopping the flow of water before the stereotypeplate is entirely cold and allowing it to drain free from the plate sothat the heat remaining will evaporate any moisture remaining, anydesired construction can be used as for instance, a valve which opensautomatically in a given time, but I have shown a friction driven timingmechanism composed of a wheel 200, mounted on a stud 201 on an arm 202.This arm is pivoted to the frame G, by a stud 208. This wheel isintermittently driven by a small pin 204C, axially mounted on the end ofthe worm'cross shaft 131. facing this pin is a recess 206 formed acrossthe face of the wheel. To the side of the wheel is fixed a pin207 whichis engaged by a projection 208 formed on the lower end of the arm 192,and positioned so that as the cooler turns to horizontal position itWill cause the said projection to engage the pin of the revolution asecond pin 210 engages and trips the valve plunger latch 195, whichaction causes the valve to close and the flow of water to stop. A dripopening 211 is positioned near the overflow of the cooler which allowsall water above the said drip to escape so that when the stereotypeplate is being lifted, (which action allows the cooler to be turned byits spring 186 into alinement with the main shaft and in position toreceive the following stereotype plate,) there is no danger. ofsplashing the stereotype which is now cooled and dried.

By this combination of water control I not only require less water,as'by actual test a plate can be sufficiently cooled after a watercontact of three seconds, and a draining and evaporating lapse of threeseconds more, butv also I succeed in cooling the stereotype plate so itcan be removed from the cooler by the bare hands. This regulation of thewater dispenses with brushes or any other means of wiping the plate dryas has been the practice heretofore.

During the cooling operation, as stated, the stereotype plate contractsfirst on the interior and then, as the cooling advances through theplate, on the exterior. This is due to the cooling water engaging theconcavity of the stereotype :only..

The means employed for controlling the contraction as previously statedcomprises adjustable stops 183 which engage the brackets 181 attachedto'the flexible wings of the cooler, the stereotype plate being heldagainst the wings by projections 182 on the bracket overlapping thestraight. edges of Normally the stereotype plate. So if it is desired toI reduce the curvature the adjustable stops are axially moved to thedlameter desired so when the hot platerolls down over the cooler andtrips the latch 189 the .coolerturns on its pivot until the groove 18%of the'bracket 181 engages the top of a lip 21? (Figsrl'l to 1 9) of theadjustable stop. Theact .of tipping the cooler having opened the valve,the

water rushes intovcontact with theconcave side of the stereotype platewhich causes the inside of the stereotype plate to contract,

thereby reducing the diameter. Thiscauses the wings'carrying the groovedbracket to move axially inward until the groove 184:. is over the lip217 of the adjustable stop,

whereupon the weight of the stereotype plate causes the cooler to turnon its pivots. This allows the lip to enter and engage the groovethereby holding the stereotype plate:

and wings againstany further flexing of the stereotype plate in eitherdirectlon, and

thereby leaving the stereotype of a less di-- ameter than when cast. Tocause the stereotypcto be of a greater-diameter after cooling than whencast, the-adjustable stop 183 is moved axially out to the desireddiameter.

If'the full limit of expansion is required the stop is moved so it willengage the projection 219 on the lower-side of the bracket 181 whichwill prevent anyinterior. contractions,

but as the exterior'cools the, contraction on the outer side will-causethe stereotype plate to open out until the lip of the adjustable stop.engages the groove as in: the opposite operation. However if a lesserexpansion ofthe diameter'is desired the stop shouldbe' moved outless,thenthe action will-be, first an interior and closing-in contractionwhich will cause the projection 219'on the bracket to engage the stop183, andupon the exterior contraction taking place the stereotype platewill expan duntil-the lip of the ad justable stop entersthe' groove oftee bracket 1 andresists further expansion of the diameterofthe-stereotype plate. If the plate is cooled onv the'exterior insteadof on the interior the process w llbemodified accord-- in glv. i

Beneath the cooler 'sinlCQQOis formed for catching thewaste water" whichsink is a pipe 221for carrylngthe' provided with water away. 1 While Ihave-illustrated and described a preferred embodiment of the invention 1am aware that many modifications can be made therein by any personskilled in the art without departn g fromthe scope-of the in-' vention;-Tliereforc I do not wish 'to' be li'mitcd to allthe details ofconstruction herein shown-and describedexcept as de fined 1n theappcnded claims, but what I clann1s: V

, 1.- In a stereotype platefinishingniachinc, the combination of a shaftha'vin g finishing devices, with axially movable supports can ried ontransverse axes by said'shaftlfor supporting a printing plate. V

In a stereotype plate finishing machine,

'thefcomb'ination with a' shaft, finishing devices connected with' saidshaft, rollers carried by said shaft for supporting the edges of theplate when introduced into the finishing machine, and means forretracting said rollers inwardly.

3. In a stereotype plate finishing machine,"

the combination of an arch, a shaft having finishing devices locatedadjacent tothe carried thereby, 'and'two' series of rollers arrangedalong opposite sides of said shaft rotatable onaxes transverse to theaxis of said'shaft, and means fo'r withdrawing said rollers inwardlyalong their axes.

5. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of a shafthaving finishing devices, a series of rollers mounted'thereon, areciproca'ble cam, and means connected with saidcam for moving therollers transversely to the axis'of said shaft.

6/111 a stereotype plate finishing machine,

the combination of a'rotary shaft" having finishing ClGYlCGS, rollerscarried by said shaft for supporting theedges of a concave plate, afixed cam, 'movablemeans carried by the shaft for engaging the cam asthe shaft rotates, and a second cam movable with said movable means andprovided with cam slots in position to retract saidrollers axially asthe shaft rotates.

7. In a stereotypeplate finishing machine, the combination of a shaft,finishing'means carried thereby,two series of idle anti-friction rollersarranged along oppositesides of said shaft rotatable on axestransverse'to the axis of said shaft, a shaving arch above the shaft,and means for raising one edge of the plate from the rollers on one,side, tipping its opposite'edge about the" tops' of the rollers on thatside, and forcing it into close lnterior of said shaving contact withthe arch.

' S. Ina device for cooling stereotype plates,the' combination of meansfor direct}- mg cooling water on the surface thereof,

and means for automatically shutting olf the water at a predeterminedtime before the plate. is entirely cooled and while it remains" in thecooling device, whereby the heat left-in theplate will evaporate thewater left on surface. I

-9. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of aconcave arch, a shaft the plate thereby drying its extendinglongitudinally thereof and having finishing" devices, means on saidshaft for supporting both edges of the printing plate when it leaves thearch, supports for one edge of the plate along one edge of said arch,and means ,for liftingthe opposite edge of said plate and forcing itinto the arch and clamping it there with the first named edge in contactwith the supports at the other edge. 7 Q

1.0, In' a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of aconcave arch, a shaft extending longitudinally thereof ano havingfinishing devices, rollers on said shaft for supporting both edges ofthe printing plate, roller supports fOItllG plate along the sides ofsaid arch, and means for lifting one edge of said plate and forcing itinto the arch and clampingit there with the other edge in contact withthe rollers at the other side. 3 11. In a stereotype plate finishingmachine, the combination of a concave arch, a shaft extendinglongitudinally thereof and having finishing devices, rollers on saidshaft for supporting both edges of the printing plate, means for'liftingone edge of said plate and forcing it into the arch, and means forwithdrawing the rollers on the shaft inwardly to allow themtorotateinside the concave plate.

12. In a stereotype plate finishing ma chine, the combination with aninclined finishing arch, of a'cooling device arranged at the lower endthereof to receive plates therefrom. and having means for supporting theplates therein in position with their lower straight edges located atanangle to the inclination of the arch, and means adjacent to saidsupporting means for holding the plates in fixed position while beingcooled.

13. In a stereotype plate finishingjma chine, the combination of an archfor receiving a segmental plate, flanged rollers located along one sideof the arch for temporarily receiving and guiding the plate into thearch, a plate support located along theother side of the archfor theopposite edge of the plate, and a plate lifter located adjacent to saidflanged rollers and movable upwardly toward the arch at an inclinationto the vertical for tilting the plate about said support.

i i. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of an archfor re ceiving a segmental plate, means for receiving one side of theplate and guiding 1t into the arch,a plate support located along theother side of the arch for the opposite edge of the plate, a platelifterlocated adjacent to said plate support and movable upwardly towardthe arch, a cam, connections from said cam for operating said platelifter positively and swinging the plate into the arch about an axis,and resilient means for re turning the plate lifter to retractedposition.

15. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of a platelifter having a projecting lip rigidly mounted thereon for engaging agroove in the edge of the cast plate, and separate means in position toreceive the edge'of the plate when pulled back by the retractivemovement of'said lip.

16. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination with anarch, of a plate lifter for one side of the arch adapted to move intothe arch and seat a plate therein, said plate lifter having a projectinglip for engaging a roove in the edge of the cast plate, and angedrollers within the arch in position to receive-the edge of the platewhen pulled back by the retractive movement of said lip. i

17. I11 a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination with anarch adapted to receive a segmental stereotype printing plate and arotary shaft for carrying finishing tools, of adjustable plate stopsnear the end of said arch and in position to engage lugs on the insideof the riser of the plate, said stops being arranged to stop the plateand prevent lateral movement thereof while the lugs are in engagementwith them.

18. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination with anarch adapted to receive a segmental stereotype printing plate, ofadjustable plate stops in position to engage lugs on the inside of theplate, one of said stops being resiliently actuated to permit themovement of the plate sidewise into axial alinement with the arch.

19. In a machine for finishing stereotype printing plates, thecombination with an inclined finishing arch, of a cooling device for theplates having supports for holding the plates in horizontal positionafter they come from the arch.

20. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination with ashaving arch, of a longitudinal shaft therein, means for supporting astereotype plate therein, means whereby the shaft will rotate through acomplete revolution and then automatically stop, a cutter connected withtheshaft for cutting ofi the riserof the plate, and means for holding.the riser on the supporting means until it revolves beneath thesupport-j ing means and thereafter delivering said.

supporting a stereotype plate therein, a trip, means whereby upon theoperation of the trip the shaft will rotate through a coin 'pleterevolution and then automatically stop,

a cutter connected with the shaft forfcutting off the riser of theplate, means carriedby the shaft for Supporting the riser" p ratedfronrthe plate.

when'jitis' cut off, and means for holding the riser in the supportingmeans until it revolve-s beneath the supporting means and thereafterdelivering said riser from the mechanism. f

P22, In a stereotype plate finishing apparatus, the combination with ashaving arch, of a cutter for cutting off the riser of the plate,ineansjfor supporting the riser when it is cutoff, and means for holdingthe riser in thejsupporting means until it revolves beneathvthesupporting means and thereafter delivering said riser'from themechanism. '23. A cooling device for plates-having means for supportingthe plates in horizontal position, and means adjacent thereto forholding the edges of the'plates in fix'ed po- I 'sition while beingcooled;

24. In a, stereotype plate "finishing ma chine, the combination of :arotatable shaft, means for supporting a curved stereotype plate, meansfor cutting the riser from the plate as the shaft rotates, a frise'rsupport. fixedly mounted'with' respect tosaid shaft,

and a riser holding means carried around" with theshaft. V

25. In a stereotype plate finishing machine, theicombination of a shaft,means for supporting a curved plate above the same,

a saw for cutting the riser from said plate,

and aipivotedmember carried around with the shaft-for engaging theriserandsupportingandfdeliveringit after it is sepa 26. In a stereotype'platefinishing machine, the combination'of a shaft, meansffor supporting acurved plate above thesame, aisaw for cutting the riserfrom said plate,

: and a member carried around with the shaft from the plate.

and pivoted on an axis parallel with the shaft for engaging the riserand supporting andrlelivering it after itis separated 27. Ina stereotype'platefinishing 'machine, the combination with a shaft, of asemiecircu'lar "riser support carried by the shaft in position to passbetween the shaft and riseras the shaft turns and to support theriser'ja fter' itis separated from the plate, afSi W forseparatingtheriserfrom the plate,and means carried by the shaft for rotating theseparated riser with the sup'{ portas "soonpas it is separated from theplatep V 28. Ina stereotype plate finlshing ma chine, the combination ofa shaft, finishing mechanism comprising means for cutting a riser from apla'te'aslthe shaft rotates, a

; riser support, in position to pass under the riser whileit' is beingseparated, and a hinged member carried by said shaft in: positiontofbedragged over the surface of the riser while'the'riser is being cut off,

and :tohold the'riser when it is separated from the plate, whereby asthe revolution at the end of the. cutting operation said member willengage the riser and prevent it suddenly dropping from the machine,whereby as the turning motion continues the weight of the riser istransferred from the support to the pivoted member and carried aheadthereby until it passesover the pivotal point of the pivoted member whenit swings the same and drops free from the machine 7 30. In a stereotypeplate making machine,.the combination of an inclined rotary shaft, meansfor "cutting the riseroff the plate, supports carried by 'the'shaft, andmeans", for moving said supports longitudinally with; respect to theshaft into a position to support the edges of the plate after the riseris cut ofi' so as to deliver the plate.

31. In a I stereotype plate finishing machine, the combination of ashaft, means connected therewith" for cutting thefrlser ishing mechanism-located' at an inclinatiom and a cooling mechanism located at the lowerend of the finishing mechanism in position to receive plates deliveredtherefrom by gravity, and provided with a rock;

111g support for the plates adapted to move the platesinto horizontalposition after they havebeen delivered to the cooling dev1ce.

34.]In a device forpreparing stereotype printingplates, thecombinationwith a finishing device, of a cooling device having supports mounted onan incline, in position to receive theed'ges of the plate delivered fromthe finishing device and adapted to be moved into a horizontal positionby the weight of the plate supported thereon.

In a device for cooling stereotype printing plates, the combination of apivoted saddle for receiving the plate, yielding means for normallyholding said saddle at an inclination to the horizontal, means forpositively holding the saddle at said inclination, the last named meansbeing located in position to be engaged by the plate when it slides downthe inclination to its final resting place and to be disengaged thereby,and means for allowing the saddle to be treed.

36, In a device for cooling stereotype printing plates, the combinationof a piv oted saddle for receiving the plate, yielding means fornormally holding said sad die at an inclination to the horizontal, alatch for positively holding the saddle at said inclination in positionto be engaged by the plate when it slides down the inclination to itsfinal resting place and to bedisengaged thereby, and means controlled bysaid latch for allowing the saddle to be turned by the weight of theplate.

37. In a stereotype plate cooling apparatus, the combination of aninclinel guideway, a pivoted cooler mounted normally in alinement withsaid guide-way to receive a plate therefrom, and a latch for holdingsaid pivoted cooler in alinement with the guide-way, said cooler beingpivoted at a point on the side of its center of gravity opposite that onwhich said latch is lo cated.

38. In a stereotype plate cooling apparatus, the combination of aninclined guideway, a cooler mounted normally in alinement with saidguide-way to receive a plate therefrom, a latch for holding said coolerin alinement with the guide-way, said cooler being pivoted. at a pointbetween the latch and its center of gravity, said latch being located inposition to be engaged by the plate when it slides down to the end ofthe cooler and released, whereby the plate will be turned on the pivotto a horizontal position, and means for stopping the cooler inhorizontal position.

39. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combinationwith a supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a cooler forsupporting the plate, means whereby after the plate is located on thecooler the valve will be opened automatically to allow the water to flowinto the cooler, and a trip mechanism for causing the valve to closewhile the plate is on the cooler.

40. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combinationwith a supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a lever foroperating the valve, a cooler for supporting the plate, means wherebywhen the plate is located on the cooler it will turn on an axis, a latchin position to be engaged by a part of said cooler when it turns, meansconnecting the latch and lever for opening the valve when the latch isthus operated to allow the water to flow into the cooler, and a tripmechanism for disengaging the latch.

etl. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combinationwith a supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a lever foroperating the valve, a cooler for supporting the plate, means wherebywhen the plate is located on the cooler it will move the lever foropening the valve to allow the water to flow into the cooler, and meansfor automatically stopping the fiow of the water while the plate remainsin the same position.

42. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combinationwith a supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a lever foroperating the valve, a cooler for supporting the plate, means wherebywhen the plate is located on the cooler the cooler will move, a latch inposition to be engaged by a part of said cooler when it moves, meansconnecting the latch and lever for opening the valve when the latch isthus operated to allow the water to flow into the cooler, and means forautomatically stopping the flow of the water.

4L3. In a device for preparing stereotype printing plates, thecombination with a finishing mechanism located at an inclination,

and a cooling mechanism located at the lower end of the finishingmechanism in position to receive plates delivered therefrom by gravityand adapted to hold them in horizontal position.

44. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combinationwith a water supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a leverfor operating the valve, means for supporting a plate, a latch, meansconnecting the latch and lever for opening the valve to allow the waterto flow, a wheel, means for rotating the wheel, means whereby when aplate enters the machine, the lever is moved and causes the wheel torotate through one revolution, and means controlled by the rotation ofsaid wheel for closing the valve and shutting oil? the water.

45. In a cooling device for stereotype printing plates, the combinationwith a water supply pipe, of a valve for controlling the same, a wheel,means for rotating the wheel, means whereby when a plate enters themachine the wheel will rotate through one revolution and stop at the endthereof, and means controlled by the rotation of said wheel for closingthe valve and shutting off the water.

46. In a device for cooling stereotype printing plates, the combinationof a water outlet, means for supporting a plate, and movable wingsconstructed and arranged to come into contact with the concave face of astereotype plate when in position to be cooled.

47. In a device for cooling stereotype printing plates, the combinationof a cooling mechanism adapted to support a plate, flexible wingsadapted to be received within'the plate, adjustable stops for the wings,means whereby when a plate is introduced into the cooler it will causethe wings to tip on an axis, a valve for controlling the admission of acooling fluid, and means whereby the tipping of the wings will open saidvalve.

4-8. In a device for cooling stereotype printing plates, the combinationof a cooling mechanism adapted to support a plate, flexible wingsadapted to be received within the plate, adjustable stops for the wings,means whereby when a plate is introduced into the cooler it will causethe wings to tip on an of a cooling fluid,'means whereby the tipping ofthewings will open said valve,

means for directingthe water on the inside .of the curved stereotypeplate, and means for limiting the motion of the wings with thecontraction of the plate. 1

49. In a device for cooling curved stereotype printing plates, thecombination of a cooling saddlehaving flexible wings for receiving theplate to be cooled, said wings having brackets extending intoposition-beneath the edges of a, plate carried on the saddle and eachhaving a lip extending up in position to engage the outer edge of theplate, and adjustablestops located below the said brackets adapted to beadjusted into position to engage the under sides of the winged bracketswhen the plate has contracted or expanded to the desired amount, wherebythe amount of expansion or contraction of the curved plate and thedistance apart of its straight edges can be limited.

50. In a devicefor cooling curved cast plates, the combination of acooling saddle having flexible wings for receiving the plate to becooled, said wings being arranged and I adapted to contract and expandwith the plate, and means. for causing water to flow over said wings 1ncontact with the interior of the plate and out of contact with thetending up in position to engage the outer edge of the plate.

51. In a device for cooling curved cast plates, the combination of acooling saddle having flexible wings for receiving the.

plate to be cooled, said wings being arranged and adapted to contractand expand with the plate, and means for causing water to flow over saidwings and in contact with the interior of the plate.

52.'In a device for cooling curved cast plates, the combination of asupport for the plates, means for applying a stream of cooling fluid tothe concave side of a plate, and means for holding its straight edgesagainst axial contraction during the cooling of the interior surface toprevent themotion of said edges inwardly and leaving said edges free toexpand or draw away from each other during the remainder of the coolingof the plate.

53. In a device for cooling curved cast plates, the combination of meansfor applying a stream of cooling fluid to the concave side of a plate,and means for holding its straight edges against lateral expansionduring the cooling of its convex surface.

54. In a device for cooling curved cast.

plates, the combination of a support for the plates, means for applyinga stream of cooling fluid to the concave side of a plate, and means forpositively holding its straight edges against lateral contraction duringthe cooling of its concave surface.

55. In a device for cooling stereotype plates, the combination of asupport for the plates, and a water distributing chamber adapted tocontain a large body of water having outlets in position to dischargewater and havinga separate drain opening at a point below said outletsbut above the bottom of the chamber. V

56. In a machine 'for finishing curved stereotype printing plates, thecombination of a knife for shaving out the interior of the plate, a sawlocated outside the-plate for beveling the end edge of the plate, and 7means for giving the saw a planetary motion around the outside of theplate at the end thereof. a

57 In a machine for finishing curved stereotype printing plates, thecombination of a shaving blade for shaving out the interior of theplate, a saw located outside the plate rotatable with said shaving'bladefor cutting the tail from the plate, and means for giving the saw aplanetary motion around the outside of the plate at the end thereof. V ra g 58. In a stereotype plate cooling apparatus, the combination of aninclined guide way, and a pivoted coolermounted normally in alinementwith said guideway in position to receive a plate therefrom.

In testimony whereof I have hereunto aflixed my signature.

CHARLES E. HOPKINS.

